Islamabad, Feb 14: Pakistan is set to make significant strides in enhancing its internet infrastructure with the planned addition of 26.5 terabits per second (Tbps) of international connectivity. This ambitious initiative was highlighted in a written response by the Minister of State for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, to the National Assembly. The connectivity will be facilitated through five international submarine cables, including AFRICA 1, SMW6, 2AFRICA, PEACE, and the Makran Gulf Gateway (MGG-1).
These cables, operated by major players such as PTCL, Transworld Associates, LINKdotNET, and Cybernet, are designed to enhance Pakistan’s international bandwidth and provide robust support for the country’s growing digital needs. AFRICA 1, operated by PTCL, will contribute 6.5 Tbps, while Transworld Associates’ SMW6 and 2AFRICA cables will bring 6 Tbps and 10 Tbps, respectively.
Additionally, the PEACE cable from LINKdotNET will offer 2 Tbps, and Cybernet’s MGG-1 cable will add another 2 Tbps. The cables are currently in various stages of planning, with the 2AFRICA cable already reaching Pakistan, and the others awaiting further development.
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In tandem with these submarine cable initiatives, the government is making strides in expanding satellite-based internet services. For years, Pakistan lacked direct-to-consumer satellite internet, with satellite networks only providing bandwidth services. To address this, the government introduced the National Space Policy in January 2024 and the Pakistan Space Activities Rules in February 2024, setting the stage for satellite-based connectivity to underserved areas.
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been working on the licensing framework for Fixed Satellite Services (FSS), which would enable satellite internet to reach remote parts of the country. The PTA is currently consulting with industry stakeholders on a Single License framework for FSS, which aims to regulate direct-to-consumer satellite internet services while maintaining existing wireless internet licenses. This new framework is expected to encourage investment in satellite technologies and broaden connectivity in regions that have been difficult to serve with traditional infrastructure.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Space Activities Regulatory Board (PSARB) is tasked with regulating local and foreign satellite service providers. Starlink, the satellite-based internet provider, is currently undergoing technical evaluation by PSARB, and once cleared, it will proceed with registration under PTA’s licensing system. The approval process, however, remains under review.
As part of its efforts to improve overall internet performance, the government is also addressing network security concerns. The rise in the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) has caused traffic shifts that affect the efficiency of Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), while Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks have contributed to network slowdowns. The authorities are implementing measures to mitigate these issues and enhance the Quality of Service (QoS) across the country.
